The 1960s was arguably the definitive decade in British history: the Swinging Sixties. The Beatles released their debut album, Please Please Me and their subsequent British Invasion on the music industry. Fashion designer Mary Quant popularised the mini skirt and it was an era of political activism. However, before this decade of youth-driven cultural revolution came into, ahem, full swing, on the outskirts of London, the mechanical rustle of an atmospheric six-cylinder echoed through Jaguar's Coventry factory on the evening of 14 March 1961. The British motor manufacturer's then public relations manager Bob Berry started a hand-built EType fixed-head coupé prototype that Jaguar was set to display at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland the following day.
Leaving the production plant later than initially planned, Berry embarked on the 1 174 km journey from Browns Lane, driving the Opalescent Gunmetal E-Type flat out registered 9600 HP - to arrive at the Parc des Eaux-Vives on time. [The E-Type) was the only car I actually drove flat out from one end to the other of a journey, simply to get there on time, Berry recalled. He arrived with 20 minutes to spare before the unveiling of what would arguably become not only the most iconic and beautifully designed English sportscar ever built, but one of the most sought-after to ever grace the road. “It was an incredible journey, Berry said. “I've never forgotten it.”
The E-Type stole the show with its aerodynamically sculpted silhouette receiving global praise. Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari famously complimented the E-Type's design, with il Commendatore lauding the Jaguar as the most beautiful car ever made. High praise coming from the man at the helm of a company renowned for producing some of the world's most exotic and ravishing sportscars.
Esta historia es de la edición December 2021 de CAR.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 2021 de CAR.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Toyota Fortuner
Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.
MIND THE HURDLE
With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish
KING OF KILLARNEY
For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment
Super C
The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.
Bentley's Brutes
A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...
BAND OF BROTHERS
Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.
TWELVE OF THE BEST
Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT